This iMac replica is another challenger to Microsoft's Surface Studio.

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LAS VEGAS—Laptops and convertibles aren't the only categories getting love from PC makers at CES 2017. Dell debuted a monster all-in-one device called the Dell XPS 27 that aims to suit the needs of an entire family. At a glance, the XPS 27 is similar to Apple's 27-inch iMac, but Dell squeezed a 4K display into it, as well as ten speakers and an adjustable base on the touchscreen model. That means the touchscreen version can lie flat.

Let's start with the display: both of the two display options for the XPS 27 are 4K IPS with a 170-degree viewing angle. While HP may have Dell beat with the slim design of its recently announced Envy Curve all-in-one PC, Dell is fighting back with versatility. The touchscreen version of the XPS 27 has an articulating stand that allows it to tilt and move to a horizontal position (the non-touchscreen version can only tilt to change the viewing angle).

In Dell's demo, the touchscreen XPS 27 seems ideal for creatives. It comes with PremierColor technology for accurate color rendering. But the XPS 27 isn't just for visual artists: Dell worked with producer Jack Joseph Puig and Waves Audio to optimize the XPS 27's ten speakers not just for musicians, but for anyone who wants desktop speakers that can deliver high-quality audio.

Although the sizable grills below the display are the XPS 27's most obvious audio artillery, four down-firing speakers are hidden beneath the display on its bottom edge. When the XPS is tilted to expose them, these speakers can flood a room with a full range of sound.

Incorporated with the ten speakers are dynamic amplifiers, four full range drivers, two passive radiators, and two tweeters that produce accurate, crisp highs and vocals. Whether you're a music producer or just someone who wants to fill their entire living room with sound using just one device, Dell made the XPS 27 for you.

Dell's XPS 27 all-in-one.

Valentina Palladino

Its design channels Apple's iMac.

Valentina Palladino

The XPS has ten speakers—six front-facing speakers and four-down-firing speakers.

Valentina Palladino

The XPS is family-friendly, as well as a device for audiophiles (makers and listeners).

Valentina Palladino

In addition to the perks for artists, the XPS 27 is a PC the entire family can use. Its IR camera for Windows Hello biometrics lets you sign in by sitting in front of the device and waiting for it to recognize your face. Family members can sign in and access quickly and easily, without needing to remember specific passwords. The XPS 27 sports five USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort and HDMI port, a Thunderbolt 3-capable USB Type C port, and an Ethernet port. On the inside, you'll have up to 32GB of RAM and the option of an Intel Kaby Lake i5 or i7 CPU. The Intel HD 530 GPU has optional AMD upgrades to R9 M470 or R9 M485X. Hard drive options include 2TB SATA or 1TB PCIe SSD.

A connected option for creatives

If the XPS 27 has everyone's needs in mind, the Dell Canvas 27 horizontal display is only looking out for the artists among us. This is Dell's answer to Microsoft's Surface Studio; at first glance, it looks like a giant Wacom tablet that can be connected to any type of PC, with an additional monitor to expand your display view and turn part of it into a digital workspace. In the demo I received, the Dell Canvas was hooked up to a Dell laptop and one of Dell's curved monitors. This allows the user to work directly on the Canvas' 27-inch QHD, Adobe RGB display in Illustrator. This setup uses power from the laptop while the upright display shows previous work and references.

The tools accompanying the Canvas are a digital pen and Dell's cap-like totem. The pen is straightforward and allows you to sketch and navigate on the display. The totem, akin to Microsoft's Dial for the Surface Studio, can be placed on the screen to quickly access a menu of options, ideally with your non-dominant hand.

A big difference between Microsoft's Dial and Dell's totem is that the options accessed through the dial can immediately affect the actions of the pen. For example, if you're sketching in an Adobe program, you can use the dial to change the width of your brush in real-time or even the color of your digital ink. This removes the back-and-forth involved when you want to change your artwork's mediums and effects. You can manipulate your setup with one hand while drawing with the other at the same time.

While the totem comes with the Canvas (as does the pen), you can use Microsoft's Dial on Dell's device as well. Another small-yet-obvious difference between Microsoft's and Dell's products is that the Canvas is meant to lie flat, whereas the Surface Studio comes attached to an articulating arm. Dell's Canvas has a small stand that can tilt the device 40 degrees from horizontal to give you the best angle to work. You could certainly use the Canvas attached to a PC by itself, but using it with another external display will give you even more visual room and more screen space to spread out your digital workspace.

A number of ports on the Canvas' sides supports this kind of connectivity, including two USB Type C ports (one that's charging-only), a USB 3.0 port, and miniHDMI and miniDisplay ports. Dell includes a bunch of adaptors like USB C to USB A so you can easily connect systems you already have to this new device.

Ars' Peter Bright reviewed Microsoft's Surface Studio and wasn't impressed with its overall performance, especially considering its steep price. That machine was built for artists, too, but you could argue that it would have been better as a peripheral. Dell created that device with the Canvas—it's the Surface Studio's best features without the power cores that drive its price sky-high very quickly. That being said, the Canvas 27 starts at "under $2,000," so it's not a cheap device either. But for creatives looking for a Wacom alternative and who don't want a replacement for their PC, the Dell Canvas is a device to consider.

The Dell Canvas will be available in March. Dell's XPS 27 all-in-one starts at $1,599 and is available to order now.